The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork Ch 17

Morgan Wootten: A High-School Coach's Inspiring Story

• Morgan Wootten, a highly successful high school basketball coach, is praised by legendary coach John Wooden for his exceptional coaching abilities.
• Wootten, despite unassuming beginnings, built a coaching dynasty at DeMatha High School, achieving a remarkable winning record and sending numerous players on to college scholarships and professional careers.

Wootten's Coaching Philosophy and Impact

• Wootten's success stems from his dedication to investing in the lives of his players, not just their athletic skills.
• He prioritized building a supportive and impactful environment for his athletes, believing that nurturing their development benefits both the individuals and the team.
• His approach cultivated a culture of success, where athletes, even those not in starting roles, received college scholarships.
• Coaches must remember their core purpose—developing young people—not merely focusing on winning.
• He's recognized as the first basketball coach to reach 1,200 career victories at any level.

Investing in Team Members

• Investing in team members (and thus building a better team) requires a commitment to their development.
• This is true for individuals in any role: player, coach, employee, employer, etc.
• Investing in a team's development doesn't happen quickly, but the benefits compound over time like interest.

Ten Steps to Invest in Your Team

• Step 1: Commit to developing teammates.
• Step 2: Seek out and recruit the best talent (except in family contexts).
• Step 3: Invest time, money, and personal resources into the team's development. It is crucial, not convenient.
• Step 4: Build community and shared experiences outside of work/training (camping, outings, etc.)
• Step 5: Empower teammates by giving them responsibility and authority.
• Step 6: Acknowledge and appreciate individual and team successes. Praise should be prioritized.
• Step 7: Track progress to determine the effectiveness of investments made.
• Step 8: Identify and discontinue investing in those who fail to improve or benefit from the team's environment.
• Step 9: Create new challenges and opportunities to further team growth and development.
• Step 10: Support the team's success by removing obstacles; create an environment for success.

Wootten's Personal Team

• Wootten's personal success is deeply intertwined with his team members, particularly his inner circle, highlighting the power of mutual support and investment.
• He emphasizes that his team is vital to his success, enabling him to focus on core tasks and achieving better results, giving him greater time.
• His team not only supports his work but also multiplies his impact in various ways.

General Advice for Teams

• Be aware of whether your team's investment in you is paying off.
• Assess your contributions to the team and ensure a positive return for those investing in you.
• Effective leadership, especially in organizations, requires fostering an environment where investment in people is encouraged and forms part of the culture.

Explore the inspiring journey of Morgan Wootten, a legendary high school basketball coach who emphasized the holistic development of his players. Discover how his coaching philosophy focused on nurturing athletes beyond just their skills, fostering success both on and off the court. Wootten's legacy is a testament to the impact of values in youth sports.